Change in eating habits

[Wiebke]

Just an FYI for anyone reading...it really does smell the worst
We gave it a bit of a clean out earlier and now he's doing his usual chocolate Bananas again.
So weird. I'm guessing this is now a regular thing?

Hi

If you are dealing with impaction, yes, it is right up there with abscesses.

And it sounds like you are in the early stages of it. Please follow our diet re. foods and strict regularity because that can help stabilise it and slow it down - depending on the general deterioration and any other factors that could play into it. Initially you may not need to clear him out daily.

Here is our revamped Impaction guide:

Thread 'Impaction: Practical Care and Diet (with videos)'

Nov 6, 2014

1 What is impaction?
- Potential causes
- Why the need for a vet check
- Diet advice
2 Impaction care videos
- How to check for impaction
- How to remove impaction
- Before and after impaction care
3 An impaction carer's practical experiences and tips
- Diagnosing an impaction (description)
- Treating impaction in the short term
- Treating...

• LisaAli
• boars impaction older
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Vet Visits & Various

• 

 

[Gingerspider]

Thanks so much. That guide is super helpful. We already do most of the tips in the guide. He has a large cage, floor time for at least an hour every day. We feed the pigs masses of good quality fresh hay (practically the entire cage) and feed veg and pellets at the same times every day.
He had a check over last time he was poorly but we will book him in with the specialist when we are back in a few weeks.
I noticed it talks about arthritis, which is something the vet did say could be a cause of his constant barbering on his hips but he doesn't wince or anything and moves about quite a bit.
We lost our gorgeous Martin last year to stones (well the operation, not the stones) and he doesn't appear to have any symptoms of that (thank goodness because that was awful to watch) but wondering if it's worth getting scans to check for arthritis (If that even shows up) or god forbid any growths inside?
For now we will use the guide and clear him out regularly and keep weighing. Thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks so much. That guide is super helpful. We already do most of the tips in the guide. He has a large cage, floor time for at least an hour every day. We feed the pigs masses of good quality fresh hay (practically the entire cage) and feed veg and pellets at the same times every day.
He had a check over last time he was poorly but we will book him in with the specialist when we are back in a few weeks.
I noticed it talks about arthritis, which is something the vet did say could be a cause of his constant barbering on his hips but he doesn't wince or anything and moves about quite a bit.
We lost our gorgeous Martin last year to stones (well the operation, not the stones) and he doesn't appear to have any symptoms of that (thank goodness because that was awful to watch) but wondering if it's worth getting scans to check for arthritis (If that even shows up) or god forbid any growths inside?
For now we will use the guide and clear him out regularly and keep weighing. Thank you.

Please have him checked for arthritis. He will be put on long term metacam and with a diagnosis we can also give recommendations re. glucosamine supplements to help with comfort and mobility. Piggies can still walk with arthritis but they are in increasing pain. Please keep in mind that guinea pigs are prey animals and wired to suppress any symptoms in the first place. Barbering legs and hips is usually a good indicator for arthritis. If you could get him some painkiller to start him off now then that may also help with any impaction issues.